October ChangeMaker: Stephanie Castillo
According to the latest data from the National Science Foundation, only 13 percent of engineering jobs are held by women, and only 2 percent are held by Latinas. Two percent. This month, in honor of Ada Lovelace Day on October 9, we highlight someone trying to change that statistic. Meet our October Changemaker, Stephanie Castillo.
In 2014, Castillo founded Latina Girls Code, dedicated to providing your Latinas with the education and resources they need to foster their interest in technology. The program provides classes and computers, as well as hackathons and internship opportunities. Through the opportunities offered by Latina Girls Code, young Latinas can see different paths in technology, and picture themselves on them. Castillo now serves as Executive Director of the nonprofit.
Growing up the child of Mexican immigrants, Castillo didn’t see many people who looked like her in technology careers. Latina Girls Code hopes to correct that, but it’s not just about inspiring girls into STEM. When Castillo realized that some of the young people she was working with were undocumented and applying for work permits under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, she also took on the role of immigration advisor to help them navigate the process.
Since that introduction to law and advocacy, she has since worked in criminal law, juvenile justice, disability rights and international human rights. Through her work advocating against torture, she’s worked with UN representatives and presented to numerous audiences. All in addition to her work as Executive Director of Latina Girls Code.
